In China, in addition to January 1, the national Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is also celebrated. It appeared in the country's culture since ancient times and is calculated to coincide with the winter new moon at the end of the full moon cycle that occurs after the winter solstice. What is the history of this holiday and how is it celebrated – in the literature of “Moscow Evening”.
When is the holiday celebrated in 2025
In 2025, Chinese New Year celebrations will begin on January 29. The celebration will last 15 days and end on February 12. Unlike our New Year, the Chinese have holidays different at each time. After the winter solstice, which occurs in the second half of December, you need to wait until the completion of the lunar cycle – the new moon will be the start of the celebrations.
What's interesting is that according to the Chinese calendar, January 29 will be the year 4722, not 2025, and will end on February 16, 2026. The Chinese date their history back to the Yellow Emperor's ascension to the throne in 2698 BC. Despite the fact that China has long since switched to the widely accepted Gregorian calendar, traditional holidays continue to be celebrated according to the Chinese calendar.
History of Lunar New Year
Because the history of celebrating the Lunar New Year dates back thousands of years, there is no reliable information about how this holiday takes place. According to a legend, Emperor Shun, who lived in the 23rd-22nd century BC, gathered all his ministers to bow to heaven and earth, and from that moment on, the years began to be counted. according to lunar month. According to another version, the holiday began to be celebrated during the Shang Dynasty in the 16-11 centuries BC.
The Chinese also have another legend. It is believed that on the first day of the year, a monster nicknamed Nian descended to earth, ate livestock and food, and took away both adults and children. However, you can appease it by leaving food at the entrance so that the monster is satisfied and becomes kinder. It is believed that Nian is afraid of the red color, fire and noise, so during the holiday, the Chinese decorate everything with red lanterns, light fireworks and cook delicious dishes as well as have fun and sing.
In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution began in the country, leading to the overthrow of the emperor. A republic was established and with it the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the celebration was renamed Spring Festival and began to be celebrated along with the Western New Year. However, January 1 still does not have a grand celebration like the Lunar New Year.
How to celebrate Chinese New Year
Many rituals must be performed before the start of the holiday. For example, one week before Lunar New Year, you should clean your house thoroughly and decorate it with traditional red lanterns. It is believed that cleaning symbolizes cleansing from adversity. The ritual of leaving wishful inscriptions above the entrance to the house is very popular.
In addition, on New Year's Eve, Chinese families often eat a lot of fruit. They are used to entertain the family spirit, Zaowan, who at the end of the year ascends to heaven and reports to the Emperor (supreme god) about the family's affairs. It is customary to celebrate New Year's Eve with family and exchange gifts.
The entire Chinese calendar is divided into 60-year cycles, which are combinations of 12 sacred animals and the five elements (water, earth, metal, fire and wood). So, every Chinese New Year, you can see many holiday features associated with the year's animal. At this time, the year of the Snake will come.
Public places are decorated with intricate patterns cut from red paper using the traditional Jianzhi technique. They often depict a hieroglyph denoting happiness or a symbol of the year. The Chinese also burn bamboo sticks to create a loud crackling sound. This was done to ward off the Nian monster. On New Year's Eve, giant bells ring in many churches and squares. The Chinese also have the custom of setting off fireworks and firecrackers. Many people buy new red and yellow clothes. There are a large number of costumed processions taking place outside with drums and gongs, as well as dragon and lion dances.
In the past, New Year's dinner was usually held at the house of the eldest relative, but recently celebrants often celebrate the holiday in restaurants. Fish is often served on the table and in the north of the country – the Chinese version of dumplings. The main dish is served with tofu or tofu.
Giving each other red envelopes containing money is also a custom. Usually it is given to young children and the elderly. It is believed that such an envelope will drive away evil spirits from people and bring health and prosperity. On the last 15th day, the grand Lantern Festival takes place. The whole country is decorated with paper lanterns of different colors, shapes and patterns.
Lunar New Year in Moscow
The Lunar New Year festival will be held in Moscow from January 28 to February 9 as part of cultural exchange activities. Its opening ceremony will take place on Manezhnaya Square. There, residents and visitors of the capital will see drum performances, dragon dances and performances by Chinese theaters. There will also be master classes on how to make Chinese lanterns and fans and play Chinese chess. In addition, you will enjoy Chinese dishes such as Peking duck and longevity noodles.
There will be an opportunity to participate in the “My Tea Tradition” quest, in which the sommelier will tell you the secrets of Chinese tea drinking. There will also be a grand procession with symbols of the passing Year of the Dragon and the upcoming Year of the Snake. The artists will walk from the Kliment Timiryazev monument to Manezhnaya Square. VDNH ice skating rink will host a Chinese-style animation party called “Catch Your Dragon's Luck”. Moscow Zoo will also participate in the festival program.
